Goiti Yamauchi has established himself as one of Bellator MMA’s brightest prospects. And while recent struggles have left some wondering if a move to lightweight is in order, Yamauchi insists that’s not currently in the works.

There’s no getting around it. The cold, hard math around Diego Nunes is that he started his career 11-0 with 11 stoppages, but once he came to the United States, it’s been all decisions. He believes that will end Friday.

There isn’t an MMA fighter out there hasn’t disagreed with a decision made by a referee or judge, and Bellator MMA featherweight Patricio Freire is no different. He just refuses to let it happen again.

Vladimir Matyushenko has fought professionally for 16 years, racked up 33 fights, competed for organizations such as the UFC and IFL, and fought for world titles. That’s why a recent proclamation ahead of Friday’s Bellator debut is so peculiar.

Season 7 featherweight tournament winner Shahbulat Shamhalaev’s second run at Bellator gold will have to wait. The fighter is withdrawing from the promotion’s Season 9 tournament to tend to his ailing father.